The Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has directed the officials to send 25 fully equipped ambulances to Islamabad after a suicide blast. As per the latest reports, 31 people were killed, and 169 were injured during Friday prayers in the Tarlai area.
The explosion occurred at the mosque, where the namazis had gathered for prayers. According to eyewitnesses, security personnel stopped the attacker at the entrance before he detonated the explosives.
Emergency response, Medical support
Following the blast, rescue teams and law enforcement agencies quickly sealed off the area. The Army and Rangers assisted local police in evacuation and security operations.
CM Maryam Nawaz placed hospitals in Rawalpindi on high alert. Medical staff, including surgeons, orthopaedic specialists and neurosurgeons, were instructed to remain on standby. Blood banks were also alerted to manage the influx of injured patients.
Officials said at least 18 bodies and more than 70 injured people were taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad. Benazir Bhutto Hospital in Rawalpindi received several injured victims, one of whom later died.
Basant events cancelled
In a post on social media platform X, the chief minister announced the cancellation of all Basant-related activities scheduled for Saturday. The main Basant event at Liberty Square in Lahore was also called off.
She said the decision was taken out of respect for the victims and their families. Calling for unity, she urged the public to stand with the country’s security forces.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi’s cousin, Shahzeb Javed, serving as Assistant Patrolling Officer, has also been martyred in the Tarlai mosque incident of Rawalpindi, on Friday.
As per the reports, he was the IGP’s first cousin. Additionally, reports suggest that his father has also been injured. The sources said that the bomber detonated after seeing that he was being stopped.
Also Read: Opposition to hold Feb 8 protest, responds to Islamabad blast
